Sam Amick of The Athletic, an NBA insider, claims that DeMar DeRozan is “happy” at his new team, the Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan wishes to re-sign with the Bulls when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
No other team will be able to sign DeRozan to an extension if Chicago does it before the start of free agency.
“In the meantime, DeMar DeRozan continues to play at a high level and, following this season, he will become an unrestricted free agent,” Amick wrote. “When a club is stuck in mediocrity, that’s usually a formula for a deal, but these Bulls will now want to keep the 34-year-old this summer. According to a league source familiar with DeRozan’s circumstances, he is content there and would prefer to go back if the financial terms are appropriate.
DeRozan, who started his career with the Toronto Raptors, is shooting 46.8% from the field, 34.0% from outside the arc, and 85.3% from the free-throw line this season while averaging 22.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks. His salary is $28.6 million.
According to insiders who spoke with Hoops Wire, the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers were considering trades for DeRozan this season. The Bulls weren’t shopping DeRozan, though.
Six-time All-Star DeRozan joined the Bulls in August 2021 as part of a sign-and-trade agreement with the San Antonio Spurs, agreeing to a three-year, $85 million contract. Averaging 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks, the future Hall of Famer is playing for Chicago.
With the Raptors, Spurs, and Bulls, DeRozan, 34, has averaged 21.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks over his career. Despite making three All-NBA teams, the USC graduate has never advanced to the Finals.
Bulls record: 25–28. According to the Eastern Conference standings, they are ranked ninth. DeRozan and company would be in the NBA play-in tournament for the second consecutive season if the season ended tonight.
With Zach LaVine sidelined for the remainder of the season following foot surgery, it will be interesting to watch how the Bulls close out this season. For Chicago to survive in the East, DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Alex Caruso will undoubtedly need to perform well.